I sort of have 2 different stories to tell about my time spent exploring/witnessing Worthington Glacier.
First off, Worthington Glacier is located right off Richardson Highway, about 33 miles east of Valdez, Alaska.
Worthington Glacier is actually situated within a State Recreation Area.
Through my experience...I found that exploring in the State Recreation Area was quite average and mediocre.
Yet...the views of Worthington Glacier from the pullovers along Richardson Highway were outstanding!!!
I stopped on by here in late July 2022. I was driving in the afternoon time and making my way towards Valdez, AK.
I recommend coming here in the afternoon because the sun was at my back and made for perfect photo opportunities with the light beaming down on the glacier. Worthington Glacier was quite colorful from the road.
Before arriving at the State Recreation Area...I'd say there were about 3 - 4 roadside pullovers where I casually took my time viewing the surroundings.
And like I said...it was so photogenic from a distance!
I was impressed and had high expectations for stopping in at the Rec Area for a closer perspective.
Upon pulling into the parking lot...they require you to pay a $5 entrance fee. That was not a problem. Anytime I get to witness a glacier it's priceless, imo, lol.
You deposit the $5 into a drop box using the honor system because there were no attendants patrolling the grounds.
Now...inside the State Rec Area...they offer a very simple pathway to walk (maybe it was a total of 1/2 mile in length) where you can stop at an overlook spot to view Worthington Glacier in the very far distance.
But I was not impressed with it. In fact, I found it to be a letdown.
You are much, much, better afforded to take your time at the roadside pullovers where you're positioned higher up in terms of the surroundings to better catch a glimpse of the glacier looking from eye level out by Richardson Highway.
At the State Rec Area...you're just standing too far down below at the base of the landscape setting to really appreciate the moment.
But, interestingly, right as I was returning to my car and ready to leave the Rec Area and make my final drive to Valdez, I noticed off to the left-hand side of the parking lot there was a hiking trail leading up towards Worthington Glacier.
There was a sign stating that this trail is strenuous and climbs a significant amount of feet in a short period of time.
So...I just knew this pathway would lead to probably the best aspects of Worthington Glacier, but unfortunately, it was too late in the day to start making a journey like this.
I knew it would require a good portion of the day to handle this type of climb. Had I stopped on by here in the morning...I could have attempted this hiking trail.
And btw, I don't remember if there was a name to the hike...only that...it was situated off to the left side section of the parking lot.
Overall, my most memorable moments of admiring Worthington Glacier were from the views I captured along a few pullovers of Richardson Highway.
And these roadside stops were located just a few miles away from the State Recreation Area.
Meanwhile, hopefully in the future if I return to Valdez, I can make the arduous looking trek towards at least "The Toe" of the glacier on the hiking trail inside the State Rec Area. I believe it will reward me with the most efficient/worthwhile photo taking possibilities. read more